I’m so happy to be home. After the trip to Italy, two days later I was off to North Conway … It’s been a tradition for 12-plus years with my bestie Meg, Pal and Newbs, all from our dental office. Pal and Newbs joined five years ago and we shop until we drop, eat, drink and have loads of fun together. Unfortunately, my Pal was sick and was unable to join us. She was terribly missed … cheers to next year, ladies!

Tiramisu is what’s on this menu. Chef Jessica came to our villa and cooked traditional foods for us. She told us tiramisu is the first dessert that’s taught to the children in Italy. I was truly surprised at how easy it is to make and how delicious it is.

Ingredients list: 24 ounces of mascarpone (it comes in eight-ounce containers at Hannaford), five eggs, one dash of salt, five tablespoons of sugar, coffee (needs to be a French roast or dark roast – do not use espresso as it tastes too strong), cocoa powder and lady fingers. I was very fortunate to be able to bring back a few packages of Italian lady fingers to the states. Italian lady fingers are like a cookie, very different than the ones we buy at Hannaford. I’ve been told Trader Joe’s lady fingers are very good. I’ll check them out after I go through mine.

First, I make one strong cup of coffee and let it cool. Now, it’s very important to separate your eggs. Be careful not to get yolk in the egg whites. In a large bowl, add your yolks and mix up with an electric mixer on high, three minutes or more. When the mixture is foamy and bright, add your five tablespoons of sugar and mix well, then add your three containers or 24 ounces of mascarpone and mix it well. Rinse your beaters and start mixing your egg whites, add your dash of salt (half teaspoon) beat until they peak just like a meringue. Now fold in your whites to the above ingredients in the large bowl with a rubber spoon. Fold in nicely then set it all aside.

Now, I used one package of lady fingers. I’m thinking with the lady fingers at Hannaford, you would need two. My pan is 12 by 9 and it was perfect for two layers. Quickly roll your lady fingers in the coffee and lay them evenly on the bottom of your pan. Add a layer of your mixture then shave your cocoa. I was blessed to have brought fresh cocoa home with me from one of my adventures, but any cocoa will do, or mix it up and you could use a chocolate drizzle. Please make sure it’s a good chocolate, then repeat a layer. Top off with the rest of your mixture, one more round of cocoa, and you’re done. This needs to be refrigerated for a good five hours before serving. My total time making this was 45 minutes and that’s my very first tiramisu. I can promise you there’s no disappointment in this dessert.

Most people I speak to say they make it with some kind of liquor. In my book, it doesn’t need any. My husband loved it and I only gave him a 50/50 chance of enjoying it.

Turkey day is coming fast. I’m pretty traditional when it comes to the holidays. I’m going to share my stuffing recipe; it’s simple and my kids wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m happy to say it’s my Dad’s recipe. Sometimes simple is better.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Drive safely. Looks like snow and freezing rain are upon us.